Andreessen Horowitz Launches Tech Academy for High School Graduates
Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) is launching a new school, The Horowitz Andreessen Academy, aimed at high school graduates who choose not to attend college. The one-year program offers hands-on training in technical and philosophical subjects like AI research and the 'Geometry of Luck,' along with mentorship from top tech figures. Admission is based on proof of work rather than traditional academic credentials, and no tuition will be charged for its inaugural year. Located in San Francisco, the academy plans to expand into a two-year program by 2028 at an elite university-level cost. The school has raised $42 million as part of this venture and is backed by ten major tech companies including Google, Meta, NVIDIA, and Stripe, which are expected to hire from its graduates. The academy aims to bridge the gap between obtaining a college degree and dropping out to start a company—offering students trade-like skills with direct access to high-paying jobs or startup opportunities in Silicon Valley. This initiative reflects growing interest among venture capital firms in alternative education models, especially as AI reshapes job markets and traditional pathways become less certain.
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Topics: education innovation entrepreneurship tech startups venture capital